Changing One's Vote. Board members have the right to change their vote up to the time the results of the vote are announced. Once the president has announced "Motion passes" or "Motion fails," a director can change his/her vote only with the unanimous consent of the other directors. (Robert's Rules, 11th ed., p. 408.)
Motion to Reconsider. Sometimes a vote on a motion, whether up or down, is made in haste and members of the board wish to reconsider the vote because of new information brought to the board's attention.
- Who Brings the Motion. Directors on the losing side of the vote or who did not vote at all may not bring a motion to reconsider. It can only be brought by a director who was on the prevailing side of the prior vote. (Robert's Rules, 11th ed., p. 315.) In addition, the motion must be seconded, which can be done by any director regardless of how they voted on the original motion. (Robert's Rules, 11th ed., p. 320.) When a motion is being reconsidered, anyone can change their vote.
- Moot Reversal. Motions can be reconsidered at subsequent meetings provided no action has been taken on the motion in the interim. As a practical matter, a motion cannot be reversed if the vote has caused something to be done that is impossible to undo. (Robert's Rules, 11th ed., pp. 321-322.)
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